In her Feb. 26 column (“Mass transit serves growing number of young and mobile”), Froma Harrop accurately described the younger generation’s growing use of mass transit. This generation seeks out transit...

By Daniel A. Baudoin

In her Feb. 26 column (“Mass transit serves growing number of young and mobile”), Froma Harrop accurately described the younger generation’s growing use of mass transit. This generation seeks out transit much more than their parents’ generation. As a result, mass transit is becoming increasingly important to the economic prosperity of metropolitan areas, including Rhode Island. Why? Because the Baby-Boom-echo generations of people in their 20s and 30s (otherwise known as Gen Y or Millennials) are about to dominate the labor force.

Varied and accessible transit options are critical to this younger, highly mobile workforce. An Urban Land Institute survey in 2013 found that 63 percent of Gen Y members will probably move within the next five years, and 55 percent prefer areas with public transit options. The metropolitan areas that can attract and retain this generation of workers — particularly creative, entrepreneurial workers — will thrive; those that do not will wither.

Transit investment is being recognized around the country as critical to an area’s future, especially to the economy. For example, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Saint Paul Area Chamber have designated the substantial increase in regional transit as their number one public policy goal. They state that “business communities around the country have identified robust transit as critical to economic health and growth. We are behind our competitors. If we do not want to continue to lose jobs and talents to other regions, we must speed up our investment.” Despite a low unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, they are worried about their future.

Rhode Island also needs to invest in mass transit for its future economic vitality. This year, the General Assembly should take the following actions:

•Provide adequate and sustainable funding that will let the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority meet a growing demand for transit. RIPTA’s ridership increased nearly 11 percent in the last three years and was just ranked the seventh fastest growing ridership in the nation among large bus agencies. However, with a declining state investment in recent years, RIPTA has been forced to cut service when it is most in demand.

•Support the $40 millionbond for the intermodal/bus hub at the Amtrak Station in downtown Providence. We can create a 21st century transportation center that allows for the expansion of buses and rail; for a seamless connection between the two; and for greater passenger amenities.

Our future economic vitality requires a strong transit system. Additionally, the other benefits of transit will be served as well. With increased public transportation, all state residents will see the benefits of reduced air pollution and traffic congestion.

Those who are able to forgo the cost of car ownership will save a significant amount, estimated by the AAA to be an average of $9,150 per year.

Transit investment is a winner; now is the time to act or fall further behind other areas.

Daniel A. Baudoin is executive director of the Providence Foundation. Laurie White is president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.